Photo shows Nepali businessman Ratna and his Tibetan wife Cangmla in their antique shop, Street Barkhor, Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Photo Source: CRI online)
BEIJING, July 1 (Xinhuanet) -- In Street Barkhor, the hub of commercial and cultural activities in Tibet's capital of Lhasa, foreigners can be seen everywhere. Most of them are newcomers but others have become experts of Tibet. Nepali businessman Ratna belongs to the latter.
Ratna went to Lhasa from Nepal's capital of Katmandu 25 years ago to take over his father's business. As the owner of an old-established antique shop in the street, he has witnessed the city of Lhasa's urban development and the tremendous changes taking place on this snow-covered plateau.
"The local people have benefited from the modernization, which itself won't change the Tibetan ethnic culture. Foreigners are fond of Tibet's aged architectures and handicrafts. However, it doesn't mean that Tibetans should not improve their living standards while continuing to follow their traditions."
Two Tibetan women roll prayer wheels in Street Barkhor, the hub of commercial and cultural activities in Tibet's capital of Lhasa. (Photo Source: CCTV.com)
He can still remember the situation when he arrived in Tibet for the first time.
"What Tibet used to be was completely different from what it looks like today. There was a bad water and electricity supply, poor transportation facilities and there were no cars on the road," he recalled.
"But now, you see, cars whiz along the highway one after another. And the airport is also well-equipped. It only takes me one hour to return to Katmandu by air. Tibet has been developing faster than ever and we foreigners find it more convenient to live here. "
With the boom of regional tourism in recent years, more visitors have been attracted to Street Barkhor. Many Chinese people show great interest in Nepali commodities such as Buddha statues, copperware and accessories, and it brings Ratna huge business opportunities.
Photo shows a view of Street Barkhor, Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (Photo Source: People's Daily online)
"Currently, the Tibetans have a stronger commercial awareness. More foreigners have been engaged in the handicrafts business in Lhasa, so I face an even fiercer market."
In conducting his business, Ratna continually travels back and forth between Katmandu and Lhasa. Accustomed to living in Tibet, Ratna said he has regarded this region as his second home.
In 2001, he married a Tibetan girl named Cangmla. Their family live in a small but cozy apartment set in the store's attic. They have also set aside a small room for use as a scripture hall where they pray for god's blessing.
Having stayed in Tibet for 25 years, Ratna can speak the Tibetan language fluently and he gets on well with his Tibetan friends. He said: "China and Nepal are friendly neighbors. The Chinese people pay close attention to the interests of those Nepali who come to China for business, providing them with favorable treatment."
Editor: 卢佳颖 | Source: